Super Petrel LS Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 See images here - http://picasaweb.google.com/aussieflyingtours/LakeEyreTripJune2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCNv9u737-7zEYg# Its winter, Lake Eyre is approximately half full, there’s an aircraft sitting in the hanger at Warwick Queensland and a mate calls to say “lets go”, I mean to say, what else would you be doing! As most pilots will know the flying is the easy bit. Preparation is what takes time and effort. Being my first long haul ‘Tour’ so to speak I probably over prepared but when you are going to be flying a two seat Jabiru J160-C at 100knots over the majority of Australia’s most inhospitable deserts, over a large inland lake landing on all forms of airstrips and tackling numerous weather systems over the 6 days, excitement and anticipation was tempered periodically with mild nervous tension. My aircraft only had the basic instruments and equipment so I was going to have to decide on what upgrades I personally would like to make. Where does one stop and start! My first purchase was a Garman 296 GPS and associated software. I also ordered the fittings that would allow the device to sit on the instrument panel facing me during flight. The only downside to this investment is that weather updates are not included as it is in the USA and European versions of the software. It took me a day to install and test the GPS. My next investment was a Flight Planning software program that would be compatible with the GPS unit. There are lots of great programs to choose from so I sought advice from other more experienced pilots on what they use and focused my questions on ease of use. I settled on AirNav VFR. I am very happy with my choice and planning the trip and uploading the flight plan and hundreds of additional waypoints, just in case, was a breeze. Having all the latest charts available with my flight plan overlayed so I can print out A4 sized sectional charts to clip onto my kneeboard is so convenient. Also having airstrip layouts, downloadable weather and ERSA details included in the text side of the plan was also invaluable. My next investment was a whole $4.00 but is probably the most used item in my aircraft today. ‘Pkt Weather’ is an iPhone App which allows you to have any of the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather and wind radars onscreen live while you fly. These radar’s also have wind direction, temperature and rain information on the same screen. I have made a mount on my dashboard for my iPhone and plug it into a power source. I also have at least eight other very useful aviation related Apps that I use regularly. The iPhone is a great pilots resource! My next investment was an EPIRB. All my fellow club members advised that it is an essential item if touring outback Australia. The hardest task was finding a suitable location to mount it in my aircraft. I have attached it using strong Velcro. My only gripe, if you can call it that of my much loved Jabiru is the compass… so actually I’m the problem not my aircraft! My 51 year old eyes are not what they used to be and being an essential and much looked at piece of equipment I had been threatening for a while to find a suitable solution. I found and installed in my instrument panel a large digital readout compass. The readout number are 20mm tall. I know it’s included in the GPS but on the screen I use, the heading is too small to see. Then there was the extra innertube, engine oil, a few spare nuts and bolts, screws etc, updated and additional charts, the latest ERSA and National Airfield Directory, water and a selection of snacks for along the way. I also purchased two tiny space blankets that fold out to cover an average person in the event of an emergency. A few extra tools have also been included in my toolbox. I also had to make sure that I had the appropriate fuel cards. I have never encountered a bigger dogs breakfast than the Australian aviation fuel payment system. Every town or city airport has a differed system, nothing is uniform. Roughly half of all airports insist on a company fuel card. Different companies operate at each airport so you must carry all company fuel cards! Some operators only take Visa or Mastercard and you must have a PIN number, or sorry no fuel. Other outback airports we discovered only take cash! I hear you say.. get a life we have all had to go through the process… so I embarked on the journey of trying to find who the major dealers were so I could apply. You think that would be easy! Nope! I got transferred more times than I do when I ring Telstra… and that’s saying something! Long story short I now have my three essential cards – BP, Mobil and Shell and have PIN numbers on my credit cards and with fuel at $2.50 at some outback airports a new safe installed in the Jabiru to hold the cash. A few days before take off I contacted by local LAME and organised a full service of my aircraft. We both took a good look at everything and anything that needed to be looked at and then I looked again. We were comfortable that all was in good order. A few days out from the start of the trip I started to closely monitor weather patterns. Fine weather was predicted but strong headwinds were to be expected. Fuel calculations and locations where we would refuel were reconsidered. I rang all the airports to ensure that what the ERSA advised, fuel wise, was correct and it was. I also inquired about the condition of the strips where there was red sand or gravel specified and all seemed to be OK. Now that we had settled on our route, flight levels and refuelling points we could finalise the ‘mark-up’ of our onboard charts. Bearings, flight levels, radio frequencies (more than you can imagine), CTAF and airstrip details were all carefully plotted on the kneeboard charts. My AirNav software program was checked again and printed material copied. A final version of the flight plan was reloaded onto the GPS and checked. Two sleeps to go. One day out we decided to recheck instruments and have a fly to ensure all was OK. We also loaded up our gear, checked the oil for the 10th time and filled the fuel tanks. Peter and I agreed that we would get away around 7.00am to try to beat the strong westerly winds that had been around the last few days. That night over dinner my wife raised a good point.. “wouldn’t it have been cheaper to charter a 737 for a few hours for us both to see Lake Eyre”… she was right! As we took off from Warwick, Queensland and headed for Bourke we finally had time to contemplate why we, like many other pilots and grey nomads felt Lake Eyre must be explored, despite the remoteness and distances involved. Adventure, the fact that water of any significance being in the lake is rare and our love of flying certainly sums it up. Our research had uncovered that the Lake Eyre drainage basin covers one-sixth of all Australia. It was first sighted by Edward Eyre in 1894. With an area of 1,130,000 square kilometres it is one of the largest internal drainage systems in the world. The basin covers most of Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory and approx twenty percent of New South Wales. The volume of water required to fill Lake Eyre is almost beyond comprehension which is why it has been only full since 1885 six times – 1886, 1889, 1916, 1950, 1955 and 1974. Lake Eyre when full is 6 metres deep. Most floods have achieved 3-4 metres of depth. This year the average depth has been approximately 1.5 metres. When planning our trip we had decided that a trip to Lake Eyre by air must include the exploration of as many of the creeks and rivers that flow into the basin from Queensland as possible. Our first night was spent at Comeroo Camel Station a 90,000 acre cattle, camel and sheep station, 45minutes by air North West of Bourke. Comeroo is a strategic part of what used to be Tinnenburra Station a 2,653,000 acre component of a major agricultural empire owned by James Tyson on the 1880’s. Bruce and Chris Sharpe have a B&B there for aviators and other outback adventurers. The natural hot artesian spar, food, old cattle yards from Tyson’s days, wildlife and environment was enjoyed immensely. Travelling north west to Thargomindah for fuel we navigated over very remote country with very few places to land if needed. The odd remote station airstrip provided some comfort. We took off and flew 40 minutes to the west and that afternoon we set down at Noccundra Hotel located literally in the middle of nowhere. A hotel and an airstrip situated in a desert is all that exists so seeing the sights was over in 2-3 minutes yet it was probably one of the most exhilarating places to visit. The atmosphere was very nostalgic, the desert surrounding the hotel desolate and the hospitality and food exceptional. Early the next morning we set out for Durham Downs Station located on the western side of Cooper Creek and once we had the homestead in sight we then headed north to Windorah for fuel. Cooper Creek was spectacular. On average most ‘creeks’ that flow south in that area are many kilometres wide some up to 50km and are a mass of lagoons, channels and swamps which is why it is known as the Channel Country. The wildlife, birds and colour variations were in abundance. After lunch in Windorah we headed west to explore the Diamantina River region and once intersected we tracked south to Birdsville. I taxied and parked next to a Cessna that had lost its wheel when it collided with a pelican during the flight to Birdsville. Whilst flying low in this area can add to the appeal, the possibility of a bird strike is very real and we learnt later that it happens quite regularly. Birdsville was a lot smaller than I had imagined. We spent the night at the famous Birdsville Hotel. The hotel was full of aviators telling stories and making plans for the next day. Avgas in Birdsville was $2.50per litre, but what the heck! As we took off from Birdsville I could not help but notice the red, barren and imposing sand dunes lining the runway more than 8 metres high. A taste of things to come! We tracked due west to ‘Big Red’ a small mountain of a sand dune supposedly the ultimate quest of all 4WD hoons in Australia. We then turned south down Eyre Creek until we intersected with the Diamantina River again at Goyder Lagoon. The river at that point becomes the Warburton River and flows downhill, very slowly, to lake Eyre. The environment from Birdsville was virtually all sand dunes, no trees, no notable wildlife or cattle and the odd plume of steam from natural hot water vents along the creeks. It was absolutely stunning and surprisingly not intimidating despite the fact there were very few places to land safely in the event of an emergency. As we came to the Warburton Grove at the top of Lake Eyre the expanse of the Lake and the water flowing into it hits you with all its magnitude and sense of reality. Green to blue water and white salt and red sand for as far as the eye can see. We headed for Brooks Island situated just north of Jackboot Bay, famous for its wildlife, only to find that the birdlife had dissipated due to the ever increasing salinity of the water. The number of aircraft in and around the Lake Eyre and Maree Man areas all calling locations and altitudes changes on 126.7 was mind boggling but all very professional. After spending 45 minutes exploring the area we turned due west for William Creek. William Creek is virtually a nostalgic and very busy Hotel, an airstrip, a caravan park and two houses, oh and 5 billion flies that someone forgot to advise that is was winter and you guessed it, we all forgot the Aerogard. Over the years I have encountered ‘hard water’ in outback Australia but I can assure you, you will never experience water that feels, smells and irritates you as much as this drop. Soap lather is just not possible! The next morning due to the cold air my aircraft decided it was just too cold to start. The battery became dead flat and I soon discovered that jumper leads were non-existent at William Creek. A few old cables found behind a nearby house and a borrowed motor vehicle eventually got me going and we set out for Broken Hill. Thirty minutes out from William Creek we flew over the Marree Man, a geoglyph discovered by a passing pilot on 26 June 1998. It depicts an indigenous man, with a throwing stick. It lies on a plateau at Finnis Springs 58 km west of Marree in South Australia. The Marree Man is 4.0 km tall with a circumference of 28 km. It is the largest known geoglyph in the world. 3,500AMSL is the best height to take it all in. As we proceeded to Broken Hill we passed over the Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks and a landscape that resembled what you can imagine Mars to look like. Curved and jagged red rock, no roads, trees and not a dam, lake, river or pond in sight. Desolate, inhospitable and remarkably beautiful. We pushed on for the Flinders Ranges. The Flinders Ranges is the largest mountain range in South Australia. The discontinuous ranges stretch for over 430 km from Port Pirie to Lake Callabonna. The landform and flora varied dramatically and mountain peeks dominated the skyline. We flew over the northern ranges with the Arkaroola wilderness sanctuary and the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park in full view. Real tiger country! Broken Hill eventually came into view and from the air did not seem to have changed very much from when I lived there for 12 month in 1981. We fuelled up and set the compass for Hillston where we stayed for the night. On our final day we refuelled at Narromine and with wet weather forecast and moving in fast we decided to make a dash for Warwick. After flying around a number of small rain showers, guided by the BOM live radar on my iPhone, detouring around possible rotors at the Warrumbungles due to the squally winds from the south east we eventually made it home tired but feeling a great sense of achievement. Over the six days away we flew 2,275 nautical miles, I clocked 27.6 hours in the cockpit and averaged 18litres per hour in my 85hp Jabiru 2200. My mate logged 26.8 hours and his turbo charged 115hp Rotex 914 averaged 20litres per hour. Avgas prices ranged from $1.65 to $2.50 and my Credit Card was the must used card to purchase Avgas. Believe it or not I had full strength Telstra signal above 2000 feet in all places except the Lake Eyre region allowing live weather radar on my iPhone for the majority of the tour. Recommendation... Get out there!! Visioninaction (Kelvin)
Guest Brett Campany Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 That's a great read Kelvin. Having no luck checking out your photos though.
Super Petrel LS Posted June 25, 2009 Author Posted June 25, 2009 That's a great read Kelvin. Having no luck checking out your photos though. Hi Brett I hope the updated image link works? Picasa Web Albums - aussieflyingtours - Lake Eyre Tri... Cheers Kelvin
slartibartfast Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 Great stuff Kelvin. Thanks for sharing the story - that's a terrific read. Nice pics too, but I'm sure you have more
Jabiru Phil Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 A great trip report Many thanks for sharing with us.
Super Petrel LS Posted June 25, 2009 Author Posted June 25, 2009 We have lots of pictures... you know about death by powerpoint!! I will put a few more up soon. Cheers Kelvin
quentas Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 That was a very good write up of the trip, most enjoyable thanks. Have you flown the Speed?
Super Petrel LS Posted June 25, 2009 Author Posted June 25, 2009 No I haven't flown the speed but it performed very well, was economical and endurance was good. Not a bad looking plane also. The cockpit is very flash and comfortable! Cheers Kelvin
Guest Roger Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 Hey visioninaction we must have just about crossed paths out there! Took our J230 for a spin from Narrandera on Tuesday flew thru to Coober Pedy(overnight) back Wednesday via William Creek, over the Lake, Marree and Leigh Creek, back over the Flinders Range to Broken Hill. Camped the night in the "Hill" watched the Blues get rolled again and flew home this morning....900 photos plus or minus... Might get around to a write up later on. William Creek is certainly "out there" - left a business card on the pub wall - bet you cant find it! ;)
markendee Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 Nice report Kelvin, Have you sent it into the RAA magazine? If not you should I think. Mark D
MrH Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 :clap:Great write up & photos.:thumb_up: Thanks for taking us on your adventure H
Super Petrel LS Posted June 26, 2009 Author Posted June 26, 2009 Hey visioninaction we must have just about crossed paths out there!Took our J230 for a spin from Narrandera on Tuesday flew thru to Coober Pedy(overnight) back Wednesday via William Creek, over the Lake, Marree and Leigh Creek, back over the Flinders Range to Broken Hill. Camped the night in the "Hill" watched the Blues get rolled again and flew home this morning....900 photos plus or minus... Might get around to a write up later on. William Creek is certainly "out there" - left a business card on the pub wall - bet you cant find it! ;) Hi Roger Lake Eyre/Central Aust is an awesome experience isn't it. We really do live in the 'lucky country' with so many contrasts and beautiful landscapes. Hope you do get time to do a writeup on your Central Aust trip. Would love to hear about it. Cheers visioninaction (Kelvin)
Simonflyer Posted June 26, 2009 Posted June 26, 2009 That story is making me salivate!.. Ive gotta get out there...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now